Girona v Real Madrid Live Commentary & Result, 25/04/23, Primera División

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	BAR Barcelona	37	28	4	5	69	18	+51	88	W L L W W
2	RMA Real Madrid	37	24	5	8	74	35	+39	77	W W L W L
3	ATM Atlético Madrid	37	23	7	7	68	31	+37	76	W D W L W
4	RSO Real Sociedad	37	20	8	9	49	34	+15	68	L W W D W
5	VIL Villarreal	37	19	6	12	57	38	+19	63	L W W W D
6	BET Real Betis	37	17	8	12	45	40	+5	59	W L D W W
7	OSA Osasuna	37	14	8	15	35	41	-6	50	L W L W L
8	ATH Athletic Club	37	14	8	15	46	42	+4	50	L L W L L
9	GIR Girona	37	13	10	14	57	53	+4	49	L D L D W
10	RAY Rayo Vallecano	37	13	10	14	45	50	-5	49	W L L L W
11	SEV Sevilla	37	13	10	14	46	52	-6	49	L D D W W
12	MLL Mallorca	37	13	8	16	34	43	-9	47	L W L W L
13	CAD Cádiz	37	10	11	16	29	52	-23	41	W L W L L
14	GET Getafe	37	10	11	16	34	45	-11	41	W W D L W
15	VAL Valencia	37	11	8	18	41	44	-3	41	D L W W D
16	ALM Almería	37	11	7	19	46	62	-16	40	D L W L W
17	CEL Celta de Vigo	37	10	10	17	41	52	-11	40	L D L L L
18	VLD Real Valladolid	37	11	6	20	33	63	-30	39	D W L L L
19	ESP Espanyol	37	8	12	17	49	66	-17	36	D D W L L
20	ELC Elche	37	5	9	23	29	66	-37	24	W D D W L

That's all for today, goodbye!

A famous win and historic performance from Castellanos moves Girona 11 points clear of the bottom three for the time being, all but securing their LaLiga status for another season. Madrid will not be happy with the result, but it was clear that they lacked motivation in this fixture. Girona travel to Sevilla for their next league game while Madrid host Almeria.

Girona got the better of Madrid in an end-to-end first half. Castellanos first finished off a well-worked move in the 12th minute to give Girona a deserved lead. He doubled his tally soon after as he outmuscled Militao from a long ball and scored past Lunin with ease. Vinicius, who was by far the best player for Madrid in the first period, got a goal back for the visitors in the 34th minute as he nodded home from Asensio's cross. Girona managed to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Castellanos completed his hat-trick less than a minute into the second half as he swept the ball in from Couto's cross. He then scored a fourth just after the hour mark, beating Militao in an aerial battle from a deflected cross. Vazquez scored a late consolation goal for Madrid, but Girona were the far superior team today as they won 4-2.

90' + 4' FULL TIME: GIRONA 4-2 REAL MADRID

90' + 3' Stuani draws a clever foul off Tchouameni to help run the clock down and frustrate Madrid even more.

Ricard Artero

Iván Martín

90' + 2' Artero replaces Martin as Girona's fifth and final change of this match.

90' There will be a minimum of three additional minutes.

Reinier

Rodrigo Riquelme

89' Reinier replaces Riquelme for the final few minutes of this match.

Javi Hernández

Miguel Gutiérrez

89' Hernandez comes on for Gutierrez to help the Girona defence.

87' Madrid have scored 19 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, more than any other team in LaLiga this season.

Vinícius Júnior

Assist

85' Vinicius is once again at the heart of things for Madrid, despite a poor team performance. He picks the ball up in the box and takes on Bueno before finding Vazquez, giving the defender an easy finish.

Lucas Vázquez

Goal

85' GOALLL!!! VAZQUEZ!!! 4-2!! Madrid have a late glimmer of hope after Vazquez scores a tap-in. Vinicius does well to beat Bueno to the byline and cut the ball back to his team-mate. Madrid will still need something special to rescue a point from here.

83' Camavinga gives loses the ball to Couto in sloppy fashion, but manages to regain possession soon after. The body language of the Madrid players is not good.

81' Girona are now sitting deeper in their half as they look to see this game through and secure a famous victory over Madrid.

Lucas Vázquez

Dani Carvajal

79' Vazquez comes on for Carvajal at right-back for Madrid.

M. Díaz

Rodrygo

79' Diaz replaces Rodrygo to lead the Madrid frontline.

78' Vinicius pushes Bueno to the ground in frustration after a foul by the defender. The referee does not give the winger a second yellow card.

76' CHANCE! Valery is completely unmarked at the far post and is picked out by Bueno. The midfielder mistimes his shot and fails to test Lunin between the posts.

74' The Madrid substitutes have not been able to change the fortune of their side in this match. Girona are playing with a lot of confidence all over the pitch.

Valery

V. Tsygankov

72' Valery comes on for Tsygankov in the Girona midfield.

C. Stuani

V. Castellanos

72' Castellanos makes way for Stuani after the performance of a lifetime from the striker.

71' Castellanos is the first player in the 21st century to score four goals against Madrid in a single LaLiga game.

69' Girona look very comfortable defending in numbers as Madrid desperately search for a way back into this game. The away fans look absolutely shocked at the moment.

67' Rodrygo goes down in the box as he tries to get on the end of a cross from Militao, but the referee is not interested in giving a penalty.

Éder Militão

Yellow Card

65' Militao goes into the referee's book for a poorly-timed challenge.

A. Tchouaméni

L. Modrić

63' Tchouameni replaces Modric in the Madrid midfield.

V. Castellanos

Goal

62' GOALLL!!! 4-1 GIRONA!! CASTELLANOS!! This is unbelievable! Castellanos scores his fourth goal of the match to give Girona a three-goal lead! A deflected cross following a short corner routine flies towards the striker, who beats Militao in the air to score past Lunin.

60' Valverde tries to score from Carvajal's deflected cross, but he completely misses the ball and Girona can now build an attack of their own.

58' Girona are doing well to get at least two defenders on Vinicius to reduce the threat he poses. They are frustrating Madrid defensively with just over 30 minutes to go.

56' Couto is in a bit of pain after landing awkwardly following an aerial duel with Camavinga. The midfielder is on his feet and looks able to continue.

54' Madrid are trying to compose themselves and gain some control in the second half, but Girona are refusing to let the visitors relax on the ball. They are pressing very high and forcing mistakes.

E. Camavinga

Nacho

52' Madrid make the first substitution of the match as Camavinga replaces Nacho.

50' Castellanos risest highest from Riquelme's corner, but he fails to direct his header on target. Girona are causing a lot of problems for Madrid to start this half.

48' Girona are unbeaten in their last five LaLiga matches when leading at half-time (W4, D1) dating back to 29th March 2019 against Athletic Club (L1-2).

Yan Couto

Assist

46' Couto shows great skill and pace to get around Nacho on the right side of the pitch and work enough space to get a cross into the box. He cuts the ball back to the penalty spot, where Castellanos is on hand to restore Girona's two-goal lead.

V. Castellanos

Goal

46' GOALLLL!!! 3-1 GIRONA!!! CASTELLANOS HAT-TRICK!!! Girona get off to the perfect start in the second half as Castellanos completes his hat-trick! Couto does a brilliant job to dribble past Nacho on the right wing and get a cross into the box. Castellanos shoots first-time with a low effort that beats Lunin.

46' Tsygankov gets the second half underway for Girona!

Madrid will feel like they can still win this game, but they have to do something to stop Girona from attacking with so much freedom. The defenders have not been protected well by the midfield. The hosts will probably need at least one more goal to secure victory.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: GIRONA 2-1 REAL MADRID

45' + 1' CHANCE! Tsygankov dribbles past Kroos and leads a Girona counter-attack. He drives to the edge of the box before laying the ball off to Couto, who slices his shot wide of the target.

45' There will be a minimum of two additional minutes.

Arnau Martínez

Yellow Card

43' Martinez is shown a yellow card after a reckless challenge on Vinicius near the halfway line.

41' Girona are looking to slow the game down and see their lead through to half-time now. They are taking their time with every dead-ball situation.

39' Riquelme receives the ball on the left side of the box and decides to shoot. He cuts onto his right foot and curls the ball toward the far post, but he misses the target.

Vinícius Júnior

Yellow Card

37' Vinicius receives the first booking of the game for dissent.

36' Girona have conceded 23 first-half goals in 31 games, only Elche (34) and Espanyol (25) have conceded more in La Liga this season.

Marco Asensio

Assist

34' Asensio is given far too much time on the ball just outside the box. He spots the run of Vinicius and places the ball in a good area for the winger to attack. Madrid are back in this.

Vinícius Júnior

Goal

34' GOALLL!!! VINICIUS!! 2-1!! Vinicius pulls a goal back for Madrid with a lovely header at the far post! Asensio curls the ball toward the back stick, and the Brazilian international times his run to perfection to get on the end of the cross and score past Gazzaniga.

32' Girona are happy enough to let Madrid pass the ball around the halfway line. They are trying to force the visitors down the wings instead of letting them play through the middle of the pitch.

30' Madrid are looking to pin Girona inside their own half and create a flurry of chances. It is clear that they are missing a focal point in the box, something usually provided by the absent Benzema.

28' CHANCE! A mix-up between Militao and Nacho sees Tsygankov through on goal, but he rushes his effort and blazes the ball over the bar!

26' Castellanos has scored his ninth goal this season, more than any other Girona player in LaLiga.

Arnau Martínez

Assist

24' Martinez and Couto play a one-two from a throw-in before the defender launches the ball over the top of the Madrid defence. Castellanos makes the most of it as he manages to make it 2-0.

V. Castellanos

Goal

24' GOALLL!!! 2-0 GIRONA!! CASTELLANOS!! Girona double their lead and it is Castellanos who scores again! He shows his strength to hold Militao off the ball twice to control a long ball from Martinez. He works his way into the box before drilling the ball past Lunin.

22' Vinicius is very unhappy with the referee now as he feels he is not being treated fairly. The Girona players are trying to get very close to him so they can try and slow the winger down.

20' Girona are not content with a one-goal lead as they try to push for a second. This however is leaving them open to be countered.

18' Madrid are fighting hard to try and find an equaliser, but Girona are matching the tempo and physicality being set by Ancelotti's side.

16' The Girona fans inside the stadium are creating a wonderful atmosphere for their players. It has been a good start for the hosts.

14' Girona have avoided defeat in their last seven matches when scoring the opening goal in LaLiga dating back to 18th September 2022 against Real Betis (L1-2).

V. Castellanos

Goal

12' GOALLL!!! 1-0 GIRONA!!! CASTELLANOS!! Girona’s bravery when attacking is rewarded as Castellanos heads the ball past Lunin! The home side work the ball well down the left wing as Riquelme finds Ivan Martin in the box. He then passes to Gutierrez with a backheel before the defender sends in a cross. Castellanos is completely unmarked in the six-yard box as the hosts flood players into the box and he leaves the goalkeeper with no chance of making a save.

Miguel Gutiérrez

Assist

12' Gutierrez puts a dangerous cross into the six-yard box for a team-mate to attack, and Castellanos finishes past Lunin with ease.

11' Vinicius is left frustrated with the referee after he is not awarded a foul. He rainbow flicks the ball over Bueno, but the defender stops the winger from going past him.

9' Lunin's clearance is wayward and Girona win a throw-in in the opposion's half. They are doing well to stop the away side from dominating possession.

7' Kroos is helping Madrid dictate the play in the middle of the pitch as they control proceedings early on. Girona are attacking with a lot of numbers when they win the ball back.

5' Nacho wins a corner for Madrid after his cross is tipped behind by Gazzaniga. The set-piece comes to nothing but the visitors are applying a lot of pressure on Girona.

3' Girona are defending with a very compact shape as they try to win the ball higher up the pitch rather than in their own box.

1' Madrid get the game underway at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi!

1' CHANCE! Rodrygo has a great chance to score after just 30 seconds! Modric drills a low cross into the box and the forward gets on the end of it with a backheel, but Juanpe manages to block the shot.

The players are making their way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch!

Ancelotti has beaten 25 of the 26 opponents he has faced as Real Madrid coach in LaLiga, failing only to beat Girona (D1).

Michel makes five changes to the Girona starting lineup as Bueno, Gutierrez, Couto, Riquelme, and Castellanos all come into the side. Ancelotti also makes five changes as Lunin, Carvajal, Kroos, Modric, and Rodrygo enter the starting 11.

SUBS: Luis Lopez, Mario de Luis, Jesus Vallejo, Eduardo Camavinga, Alvaro Odriozola, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Mariano Diaz, Mario Martin, Sergio Arribas.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Andrii Lunin; Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez; Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

SUBS: Juan Carlos Martin, Toni Fuidias, Bernardo Espinosa, Cristhian Stuani, Valery Fernandez, Javi Hernandez, Reinier, Alexander Callens, Ricard Artero.

Girona (4-1-4-1): Paulo Gazzaniga; Arnau Martinez, Santiago Bueno, Juanpe, Miguel Gutierrez; Oriol Romeu; Yan Couto, Victor Tsygankov, Ivan Martin, Rodrigo Riquelme; Valentin Castellanos.

Real Madrid are 11 points off Barcelona with just eight games to go in the league campaign. Carlo Ancelotti’s team have won each of their last four games in all competitions, but a league title looks very unlikely for Los Blancos. Their away form has been patchy, losing four of their nine games on the road since November.

Girona are currently eight points above the relegation zone, and one more win can all but ensure safety for the club. Michel’s side are in good form, losing just one of their last five and picking up a draw against league leaders Barcelona. Girona are 11th in the table, with a 10th place finish in 2018 their best in the top-flight.

Hello and welcome to the live commentary of the LaLiga fixture between Girona and Real Madrid.

Girona v Real Madrid Live Commentary, 25/04/23

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